Although Johnny Marr officially launched his solo career with the release of The Messenger in 2013, it wasn’t the first project to bear his name. A decade earlier, in 2003, he released an album titled Boomslang under the banner of Johnny Marr + The Healers, a four-piece band featuring Zak Starkey – drummer for The Who and son of Ringo Starr – former Kula Shaker bassist Alonza Bevan, percussionist Liz Bonney, keyboardist Lee Spencer, and guitarist Adam Gray. Unfortunately, Boomslang was the band’s sole release and was never pressed on vinyl. However, as a fan favourite, it sparked demand for a reissue, and now, over 20 years later, those wishes have finally been granted. Fully remastered at Abbey Road, it includes 7 rarities chosen by Johnny, as well as brand new art direction by his long-time collaborator Mat Bancroft.
The album kicks off with the single ‘The Last Ride’. Giving us a good indication of what’s to come, it showcases Johnny’s signature guitar work, blending jangling riffs with a driving rhythm. ‘Caught Up’ follows, boasting a zippy slide solo from Adam, and delivering a burst of infectious energy that perfectly captures the bands spirit. The band slow things down with ‘Down on the Corner’ – a fan favourite that’s distinguished by Johnny’s acoustic guitar work. With its mellow tempo and intimate feel, the track highlights his versatility, offering a reflective, stripped-back moment that contrasts beautifully with the album’s more energetic numbers.
The tempo ramps back up instantly with ‘Need It’. Bolstered by Zak’s thunderous percussion, the punchy track showcases Johnny’s smooth vocals, leaving us grateful he embraced the challenge of stepping into the spotlight as a frontman. Blending shimmering melodies with heartfelt lyrics, the melodious ‘You Are The Magic’ further highlights Johnny’s captivating vocals, solidifying its status as one of the standout tracks on the album.
While Johnny’s guitar is a prominent feature throughout the album, his style takes on a fresh twist, with the scuzzy blues riff that opens ‘Inbetweens’ serving as a prime example of his experimentation and reluctance to repeat himself creatively. Next up is the bass-heavy ‘Another Day’, leading into the instrumental interlude of ‘Headland’. From the outset, ‘Long Gone’ delivers a raw energy that proves this album maintains its high quality right to the end. Following the gentle ballad ‘Something To Shout About’, the main track-list culminates in a triumphant finale with the lengthy ‘Bangin On’.
Fortunately for fans, the reissue gave Johnny the chance to revisit the album and introduce tracks that didn’t make the cut the first time around. Leading the pack is ‘The Way That It Was’ – a moody, atmospheric piece that thrives in its minimalism, anchored by Johnny’s gentle, understated vocals. Both ‘All Out Attack’ and the funky ‘Get Me Wrong’ follow this same path, with subtle yet expressive vocal work that contrasts his more recent solo material, where his voice has become notably stronger and more commanding.
Johnny is no stranger to incorporating covers into his live sets, often choosing high-energy, exhilarating tracks that he always delivers with flair. However, it’s a refreshing change to hear the band’s sublime rendition of Bob Dylan’s ‘Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright’. The piano-led arrangement is complimented by Johnny’s harmonica, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to the cover. The penultimate track is the original extended mix of ‘You Are The Magic’, an enthralling eight minutes and fifty seconds of pure psychedelia that creates a captivating conclusion as it transitions effortlessly into the instrumental version of ‘Get Me Wrong’.
With six exceptional musicians at the peak of their craft, Boomslang stands as an expansive body of work that Johnny and the band can truly be proud of. It’s fascinating to revisit the album and discover new material from that era of Johnny’s career more than two decades later, especially considering the wealth of solo work he has released since then. Boomslang undeniably served as a stepping stone, and it’s clear that Johnny has since harnessed the vocal power that was once just out of reach.
Boomslang is available on formats including 2LP 180g vinyl, 2CD and HD streaming/download via BMG.
